Food processor with safety mechanism

ABSTRACT

A food processor is provided with a wide feed tube. The food processor has a pusher that cooperates with a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism comprises a linkage assembly that prevents the food processor&#39;s motor from operating unless the pusher is inserted into the feed tube.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to motorised kitchen appliances and moreparticularly to a food processor.

The invention has been developed primarily for use as a food processorand will be described hereinafter with reference to this application.However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited tothis particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely knownor forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Food processors are well known. Trends in domestic food processorsindicate a desire, by consumers, for a food processor with a wider feedtube. A wider feed tube means that more ingredients and largeringredients can be introduced into the device, thereby shortening foodpreparation time and adding convenience. However, food processors withsufficiently large feed tubes are expected to have and sometimesrequired to have safety interlock devices that prevent or at leastminimise injury caused by accident or even intentional acts. In foodprocessors with such safety devices, the internal blades of the foodprocessor will not rotate unless the pusher is first inserted into thefeed tube.

In addition to safety features, consumers also expect performance andconvenience features.

Food processors with larger feed tubes require larger blades,accessories and motors. These features tend to introduce unwantedvibration and extra stresses on the components.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate atleast one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a usefulalternative.

It is an object of the invention in a preferred form to provide a foodprocessor with a safety interlock that provides a meaningful alternativeto those devices found in the prior art.

It is also an object of the invention in a preferred form to provide afood processor with other useability and safety features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a pusherdevice for a food processor, the pusher having a body and a cap, theimprovement comprising:

-   -   a safety rail that extends above a surface of the body;    -   wherein the a safety rail cooperates with a longitudinal slot in        a lid of the food processor.

Preferably, the safety rail is a “T” shaped section; the “T” shapedsection comprising a flat capping that is supported above the body by aweb that is rigidly attached to the body at one or more locations alongthe length of the web. Alternatively, the safety rail is an “L” shapedsection; the “L” shaped section comprising a flat flange that issupported above the body by a web that is rigidly attached to the bodyat one or more locations along the length of the web.

Preferably, the safety rail is insert moulded with the body and formedfrom a harder wearing material than the body. More preferably, theharder wearing material comprises a compound or polymer.

Preferably, when the pusher is located within a feed tube, the safetyrail cooperates with the longitudinal slot for restricting movement ofthe pusher toward a side of the feed tube opposite the longitudinalslot.

Preferably, the web is attached to the body along a substantial portionof a length of the web.

Preferably, the pusher accommodates a second and smaller pusher.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a pusherdevice in combination with a lid and processing bowl of a foodprocessor, the lid having a feed tube, the bowl having a handle,wherein:

-   -   the feed tube cooperates with a longitudinal slot for receiving        the safety rail, the channel having an opening through which        protrudes, from an external housing, a nose of an upper link        that pivots in response to contact with the safety rail;    -   a linkage assembly in the external housing extending from the        upper link to a projection that forms a terminal part that        extends to contact a first intermediate link contained in the        handle of the bowl.

Preferably, the channel further comprises a neck for receiving thesafety rail. More preferably, the nose of an upper link being in theform of a roller for engaging the safety rail. Most preferably, a noseof an upper link engages the flat capping of the safety rail.

Preferably, the slot further comprises a relief area that issubstantially exposed to an interior of the feed tube and that receivesthe safety rail.

Preferably, the nose of the upper link is in the form of a roller thatprotrudes through the opening. More preferably, the roller is carried bya pivot pin that interconnects upper link and a second link, the secondlink being pivotally coupled to an elongated third link, the lower endof the third link comprises a tab that extends out of a lower extremityof the lid housing. Most preferably, the tab comprises a surface thatcan acts on a cooperating second angled tab formed by an upper end of anintermediate link, the intermediate link being biased upward such thatit can be lowered when acted on by the third link; the intermediate linkcarrying a downward extending finger for operating a switch.

Preferably, the nose of the upper link that protrudes through theopening is generally “U” shaped in cross section. More preferably, thenose has side walls defining a cup, an interior of the cup supporting asecond intermediate link, a lower extent of the second intermediate linkbeing pivoted to an upper portion of a lower link, the lower linkterminating in the protrusion. Most preferably, a middle portion of thesecond intermediate link is bent, forming an elbow that is adapted toreceive a tip of the upper link when the upper link pivots during adownward motion of the safety rail.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising a safety linkage mechanism thatcooperates with a safety rail formed on the feed tube; the safetylinkage mechanism being adapted to cooperate with a pusher, such thatmotor of the food processor will not operate unless the safety rail isin engaged with the safety linkage mechanism.

Preferably, the food processor apparatus includes a user interfacehaving a display screen that depicts a graphic message to a user toinsert the pusher if the pusher is not present in the feed tube.

Preferably, the food processor apparatus includes a user interfacehaving a display screen substantially as herein described with referenceto any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a bowl having female bayonet features; and    -   a lid having cooperating male bayonet features that engage with        the female bayonet features of the bowl;    -   wherein the female bayonet features comprise downward        inclination that causes the lid to be driven toward the bottom        of the bowl during lid rotation, such that the rotation urges a        seal into contact with an angled contact section in an upper rim        area of the bowl.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a bowl having female bayonet features; and    -   a lid having cooperating male bayonet features that engage with        the female bayonet features of the bowl;    -   wherein the bayonet features are substantially as herein        described with reference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a bowl; and    -   a lid with a feed tube;    -   wherein the bowl is adapted to receive an inner bowl.

Preferably, the inner bowl has a generally cylindrical body that extendsupwardly to a conical flare 101 having an upper rim, such that thediameter of the upper rim is sufficient to contain the output opening ofthe feed tube.

Preferably, the inner bowl is substantially as herein described withreference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a bowl; and    -   a lid with a feed tube; and    -   a spindle that retains a cutting blade; and    -   a bushing assembly with a metal cap mounted in the lid for        cooperating with a tip of the spindle.

Preferably, a tip of the spindle is sintered and further comprises anarray of lower relief projections adapted to engage cooperating sleevesassociated with food processor blades or tools.

Preferably, the spindle is substantially as herein described withreference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   an adjustable thickness cutting blade.

Preferably, the adjustable thickness cutting blade is substantially asherein described with reference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a whisking disc accessory.

Preferably, the whisking disc accessory is substantially as hereindescribed with reference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a four bladed cutting accessory.

Preferably, the four bladed cutting accessory is substantially as hereindescribed with reference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a base having a female coupling component    -   a bowl; and    -   a double ended drive coupling that extends through a floor of a        bowl, the double ended drive coupling includes a lower male        coupling and an upper male coupling; the lower male coupling        component engages the female coupling component of the base; the        upper male coupling component is affixed to an upper end of a        drive shaft.

Preferably, between the upper and lower male coupling components, asintered bush is moulded into a polymeric bushing sleeve, the bushingsleeve is carried by a soft polymeric boot.

Preferably, double ended drive coupling is substantially as hereindescribed with reference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a lid that is provided with a bushing assembly, wherein the        bushing assembly acts as a spindle stabiliser.

Preferably, an exterior housing of the bushing assembly cooperates withthe feed tube. More preferably, an elastomeric boot is between the bushassembly and the lid for reducing transfer of vibration from the spindleto the lid.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a foodprocessor apparatus comprising:

-   -   a bowl coupling, wherein an “O” ring in a groove on the coupling        retains a blade when the apparatus is tipped for pouring.

Preferably, the bowl coupling is substantially as herein described withreference to any one of the embodiments.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a pusherdevice for a food processor, the pusher having a body and a cap, theimprovement comprising:

-   -   a safety rail that extends above a surface of the body of the        feed tube in a “T” shaped section;    -   the “T” shaped section comprising a flat capping that is        supported above the body by a web that is rigidly attached to        the body at one or more locations along the length of the web.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a lid andprocessing bowl of a food processor, a pusher device, in combinationwith a pusher, the lid having a feed tube, the bowl having a handle,wherein:

-   -   the feed tube cooperates with a longitudinal slot for receiving        the safety rail, the channel having an opening through which        protrudes, from an external housing, a nose of an upper link        that pivots in response to contact with the flat capping of the        safety rail;    -   a linkage assembly in the external housing extending from the        upper link to a projection that forms a terminal part that        extends to contact a first intermediate link contained in the        handle of the bowl.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention a food processor isprovided with a safety linkage mechanism that cooperates with a safetyrail formed on the feed tube. The motor of the food processor will notoperate unless the safety rail is in engagement with the safety linkagemechanism. A display may provide and indication to the user when thepower is on but the safety rail is not in contact with the safetylinkage mechanism.

In another embodiment of the invention a food processor is provided witha safety linkage mechanism that cooperates with a safety rail formed onthe feed tube. The motor of the food processor will not operate unlessthe safety rail is in engagement with the safety linkage mechanism. Thesafety linkage mechanism further comprises an upper linkage that ispivotally attached to a housing associated with the feed tube, a lowerlinkage having a finger that extends from a lower extremity of thehousing and between these two linkages, a contacting surface or rollerthat is adapted to make contact with a safety rail of the pusher.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention a food processor isprovided with a safety linkage mechanism that cooperates with a safetyrail formed on the feed tube. The motor of the food processor will notoperate unless the safety rail is in engagement with the safety linkagemechanism. A safety rail of the pusher cooperates with a neck of a pilotopening that is shaped to receive it. The pilot is associated withrelief area in the feed tube.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention a food processor isprovided with a safety linkage mechanism that cooperates with a safetyrail formed on the feed tube. The motor of the food processor will notoperate unless the safety rail is in engagement with the safety linkagemechanism. A safety linkage mechanism associated with the feed tubecooperates with an intermediate link that passes through a handle of thefood processing bowl.

In selected embodiments of the invention, the feed tube of a foodprocessor is associated with a safety mechanism that prevents the motorof the food processor from rotating unless the pusher is inserted intothe feed tube. A display screen is provided. The display screen depictsa graphic message to a user to insert the pusher if the pusher is notpresent in the feed tube. The display is also adapted to depict anoverload warning.

In some embodiments of the invention, the bowl of the food processor hasa lid with male bayonet features that engage with cooperating femalebayonet features in the bowl. A downward inclination of the ramps of thefemale bayonet features cause the lid to be driven toward the bottom ofthe bowl during lid rotation. This rotation urges a seal into contactwith an angled contact section in the bowl's upper rim area.

In another aspect of the invention, the bowl of the food processor isadapted to receive a smaller, inner bowl.

In another aspect of the invention, the food processor has a spindlethat retains a cutting blade. A lid mounted bushing assembly with ametal cap cooperates with a tip of the spindle. In preferredembodiments, a tip of the spindle is sintered and further comprises anarray of lower relief projections adapted to engage cooperating sleevesassociated with food processor blades or tools. In other embodiments,the bushing further comprises an elastomeric vibration damping insert.

In other aspects of the invention, an adjustable thickness cutting bladeis provided.

In further embodiments of the invention, a whisking disc accessory isprovided.

In yet other embodiments of the invention, a four bladed cuttingaccessory is provided with a moulded polymeric cover.

In further embodiments of the invention, a double ended drive couplingextends through a floor of a bowl of a food processor. A lower malecoupling component engages the food processor base's female couplingcomponent. An upper male coupling component is affixed to an upper endof a drive shaft. Between these two male coupling components, a sinteredbush is moulded into a polymeric bushing sleeve. The bushing sleeve iscarried by a soft polymeric boot.

In further aspects of the invention, the lid of a food processor isprovided with a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly acts as a spindlestabiliser. An exterior housing of the bushing assembly cooperates withthe feed tube to provide an effectively greater cross sectional area inthe interior of the feed tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention be better understood, reference is now madeto the following drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food processor;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a base of a food processor;

FIG. 3 is a detail of the top view of FIG. 2 illustrating the displayand its warnings;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a food processor illustrating certaincomponents of a safety mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the food processor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a safety mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a bowl, lid and pusher;

FIG. 8 is a cross section similar to FIG. 7 but with the pusher fullyinserted;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, broken away to illustrate a bowl and itslid detent mechanism;

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view illustrating the feed tube,channel and shroud;

FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective illustrating the upper extent of thefeed tube and the shroud;

FIG. 9C is a top perspective view illustrating the lower extent of thesafety mechanism's channel;

FIG. 9D illustrates the assembly of the lid's safety mechanismcomponents;

FIG. 9E is a sectional perspective illustrating the interior of thechannel;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the linkage cover;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the linkage housing illustrating theslot;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a lid and feed tube;

FIG. 13 is an inverted perspective view of the lid and feed tube of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a lid and feed tube shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 partiallysectioned;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lid and feed tube;

FIG. 16 is an interior perspective view of the bowl illustrating bayonetfeatures;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the interaction between bowl andlid;

FIG. 18 is an inverted perspective view of an inner bowl;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view, partially sectioned, showing the interiorof a bowl and the coupling;

FIG. 20 is a cross section of a bowl, lid and inner bowl;

FIG. 20A is an exploded perspective view of a lid mounted journalassembly;

FIG. 20B is a cross sectional view of the apparatus depicted in FIG.20A;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective of a spindle;

FIG. 22 is a cross section of the device depicted in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation, assembled, of the device depicted in FIG.21 and FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of julienne disc, partially disassembled;

FIG. 25 is a perspective detail of the device depicted in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a disc an its two partcoupling;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a dough blade;

FIG. 28 is a cross section of the device depicted in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable bladeaccessory;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective illustrating aspects of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a cross section of the device depicted in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a whisking accessory;

FIG. 33 is an inverted perspective of the device depicted in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross section through a whisk accessory and spindle;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of four bladed accessory and itsdishwasher cover;

FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view of the primary coupling that extendsbetween the underside and the interior of the food processor's mainbowl;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a lid with integral wide feed tube;

FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view of a bowl, lid, feed tube and safetymechanism;

FIG. 39 is another cross section of a bowl, lid, feed tube and safetymechanism;

FIG. 40 is a cross sectioned and partially exploded perspective view ofa linkage arrangement in a safety mechanism;

FIG. 41 is a partially sectioned and exploded view of a lid and itsspindle stabiliser;

FIG. 42 is a cross section through a spindle, cutting disc and spindlestabiliser;

FIG. 43 is a side elevation of a pusher in accordance with the teachingsof the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the pusher shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view of another pusher;

FIG. 46 is a cross sectional view of a further embodiment of a pusher;and

FIG. 47 is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of a pusher.

BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, a food processor 10 comprises a base with internalmotor 11, user operated controls 12, an electronic display 13 and aprocessing container 14. The container 14 further comprises a bowl 15with a handle 16 and a lid 17 with an integral and wide feed tube 18.The feed tube 18 receives a pusher 19. In this example, the pusheraccommodates a smaller second pusher 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base 11 is formed from die cast metal. Theuppermost surface features a polymeric, female bayonet fitting 21 forreceiving and restraining the container 14. A female coupling component22 is located within and protrudes through the bayonet fitting 21. Thepolymeric container 14 is supported above the upper surface of the diecast base by (in this example) four acetal wear pads 23 that prevent thebowl from contacting and thus scratching the coating on the die castbase. Thus, owing to the polymeric bayonet fitting 21 and the acetalpads 23, the bowl's contact with the base is limited to the underside ofthe descending inner rim 15a that is located below the floor of the bowl(FIG. 5). A portion of the upper surface comprises an integral guide 24for the safety mechanism that is associated with the container's feedtube. The guide 24 comprises a small mound with an arcuate slot 25within which is located a mechanical probe component 26 of the safetymechanism. The probe 26 exits the base through a waterproof cap 26a.

An upper surface of the base further comprises a display 27 such as anLCD display. Adjacent to the display there are user controls 28 foroperating a timer that associates the display and its with the operationof the processor's motor and feed tube. The display 27 comprises anoverload indicator 29 that indicates when the internal components of theprocessor get too hot. When this occurs, the device's micro processor27a will shut down the motor and display a warning such as “overload”.This lets the user know that the motor is not broken and that they mustwait for the unit to cool down. The display 27 also contains a uniqueindication 30 that the pusher is not inserted in the feed tube. Thisindicator will be visible until the probe 26 is activated by themechanical components associated with the feed tube's insertion.

As shown in FIG. 4, the probe 26 is associated with an electromechanicalsafety mechanism 31 that is contained within the base 11. The probe isurged upward, for example, by a compression spring 32. When the probe isdepressed by the actions resulting from the installation of the bowl andlid and the insertion of the pusher 19, a switch (by way of exampleonly, a micro-switch) 33 is tripped, thus allowing power to be suppliedto the motor, via instruction from the unit's microprocessor.

As shown in FIG. 5, the probe 26 is acted on by chamfered finger orprojection 34 that forms the terminal part and lower end of areciprocating intermediate mechanical link 35 that is carried within thehollow handle 36 of the bowl 15. This link is essentially “C” shaped. InFIG. 5, the intermediate link is shown in its lowermost position, havingbeen urged downward by the action of the pusher 19 on the links locatedin the feed tube assembly 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the essentially “D” shaped feed tube 18 isslotted to receive a longitudinal safety rail 38 carried by the pusher19. As will be explained, the entry of the rail 38 into the feed tubechannel causes the mechanical extension of a linkage assembly 39 that iscontained within a linkage housing that is affixed to the feed tube 18.When the linkage assembly 39 is acted on by the feed tube's safety rail38, it extends and acts on the intermediate link 35. Thus, themechanical motion of the feed tube and linkage assembly 39 istransmitted to the probe 26.

As suggested by FIG. 5, insertion of the feed tube acts mechanically onthe switch or micro-switch 33. Activation of the switch is sensed by theunit's micro processor or PCB 27b, thus allowing power to be supplied bythe motor. If the motor is still running when the pusher 19 is removedfrom the feed tube 18, the D-activation of the switch 33 is also sensedby the micro processor or PCB 27B. In preferred embodiments, when thePCB 27b senses the removal of the feed tube 18 when the motor is stillrotating, the PCB 27b activates electronic braking of the motor by usingcapacitors or similar components on the PCB or associated with the PCB.Electronic braking can also be implemented by applying a reverse voltageto the motor windings. This stops the unit's blades or discs fromturning within a short time frame, approximately 2 seconds. Thisprevents the user from being able to access the interior of the feedtube and blades while motor rotation is still occurring. This samebraking occurs when the lid 17 is rotated out of engagement with thebowl assembly 14, even before the lid is lifted off. This is because theintermediate link 35 in the bowl handle is deactivated equally byremoval of the lid or removal of the pusher. If, on the other hand, theuser presses the stop or pause buttons of the unit before the pusher isremoved, a less forceful electronic brake is applied to the motorbecause the situation is not as unsafe as removal of the pusher is whenthe motor is turning. However, if the pusher is removed soon after thestop or pause buttons are activated by the user, the large braking forceis applied by the micro-processor or PCB 27b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the pusher 19 comprises a hollow “D” shaped bodywith a welded on cap having an upper peripheral rim 41. Stops 41a underthe rim prevent finger pinching. Moulded into the body of the feed tube18 is a safety rail 38. The safety rail 38 is attached to and extendsabove the surface of the body of the feed tube in a “T” shaped sectionhaving chamfered or inclined lower surface 43. In preferred embodiments,the insert moulded safety rail 38 is formed from a hard polymer such asan acetal polymer. The remainder of the feed tube need not be formedfrom such a hard wearing polymer. In preferred embodiments, the “T”shaped section of the safety rail comprises a flat capping portion thatis supported above the body of the feed tube by a central flat web thatis integral or moulded into the body for the purpose of rigidising the“T” shaped section relative to the body. The central web need not becontiguous, attached to or integral with the body along the entirelength of the section, so long as the section remains rigid when actedupon by the user and the safety mechanism associated with the feed tube.The central web of the “T” shaped safety rail could be attached to orcontiguous with the body along a majority or substantial portion of itslength, at spaced apart portions along its length, or at each end, oralong the entirety of its length. It is important, for ridgidity that isnot be supported by the body by being attached at one end only. Thesafety rail is preferably “T” shaped but can also be “L” shaped, forexample by having the central web along one edge of the flat capping.

When the safety rail 38 is inserted into the longitudinal slot 48a ofthe feed tube, it contacts a friction roller 44 that is carried by astainless steel pivot pin 50 that interconnects a first link 46 and asecond link 47. The second or middle link 47 is pivotally attached to anelongated third or lower link 48 by a second pivot pin 49. The firstlink is attached to the lid moulding by a longer third pivot pin 45. Thesecond pivot pin 50 “floats” with the first and second link 46, 47. Thelower end 51 of the third link comprises a chamfered finger or tab 52that extends out of a lower extremity of the housing 37. This first tab51 comprises an angled or ramped surface 52 that acts on a cooperatingsecond tab 53 that forms the upper end of the intermediate link 35. Theintermediate link 35 is urged upward by a compression spring 54 so thatit can be lowered when acted on by the third link 48. Because the secondtab has an angled surface 55 that cooperates with the ramp 52, it can bedepressed by rotation of the lid onto the bowl, even when the pusher 19is present within the feed tube 18. As shown in FIG. 6, the intermediatelink 35 carries a downward extending third tab or finger with an angledramp 34 that acts on a ramped surface 57 of the probe 26. Thus, the bowlcan be rotated into engagement with the base, even when the pusher 18 isinserted into the feed tube and the lid is affixed to the container.

The mechanical aspects of the safety mechanism are illustrated in FIG. 7and FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 7, the rest position for the assembledsafety mechanism is when the pusher 19 is not inserted into the feedtube 18. In this orientation, an internal compression spring 60 urgesthe third link 48 upward or toward the upper opening of the feed tube18. This mechanical bias urges the roller 43 toward the feed tube andmore particularly into surface contact with the safety rail 38 when itis present. In this orientation, the third link 48 does not exert anydownward pressure on the intermediate linkage 35. Thus, the compressionspring 61 within the hollow handle urges the intermediate link 35 upwardsuch that the lower finger or tab 56 of the intermediate link 35 willnot make contact with the probe 26 when the bowl is installed onto thebase 11. FIG. 7 also illustrates that the transparent cylindrical innerpusher 220 has a flexible and removable cap 221. The inner pusher can becalibrated 222 to use as a measuring tool.

As shown in FIG. 8, insertion of the pusher 19 causes the safety rail 38to impinge on the roller 43. This causes the first and second links 46,47 to elongate, driving the third link 48 downward. This causes thethird link's lower tab 51 to contact the upper tab 55 of theintermediate link. This force overcomes the upward bias of the spring61, displacing the intermediate link toward the probe 26.

As suggested by FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, a spring loaded detent mechanismprovides user feedback and anti-rotation functionality to the engagementbetween the lid 17 and the bowl 15. Contained within the linkage housing37 is a follower 62 that is able to reciprocate within the housing 37but which is urged downward by the same spring 60 that urges the thirdlink 48 upward. This follower 62 has a downward extending “V” shaped orother shaped beak 63 defined by ramped surfaces. When the lid 17 and thebowl 15 are properly aligned, the beak 63 will be urged into cooperationwith a “V” shaped or other shaped cooperating detent or notch 66. Thiscreates feedback in the form of an audible “click” (or a perceptibletactile engagement) so that the user can better establish engagementbetween the lid and bowl. The force of the spring 60 can be overcome byuser rotation of the lid 17 relative to the bowl 15. However, theengagement between the beak 63 and the detent 66 cannot be overcome byvibration induced counter rotation of the lid 17.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the first, second and third links of the safetymechanism 300 are contained within a “U” shaped longitudinal channel 301that is integrally moulded with the feed tube 18. A pair of guide slots302 are formed between the channel 301 and the main “D” shaped body ofthe feed tube 18. The channel 301 further comprises a third groove 303,facing outward and located along the midline of the channel 301. A smallrib or catch 304 is located close to the bottom of the groove 303. Apair of through slots 305, 306 space the upper interior edges of thechannel 301 from the main “D” shaped body of the feed tube 18. An upperextent of the channel 301 comprises a pair of opposing through holes 307that are adapted to receive the pivot pin 45. In preferred embodiments,the length of the pin 45 is sufficient to extend between the twoopenings 207 without extending past the outer surface of the channel301. An acetal polymer sheath 308 slides over the channel 301, as willbe explained. The sheath 308 provides optional recessed or textured gripareas 309 and further comprises the “T” shaped pilot depicted in FIG.10. The proximity of the side walls 310 of the sheath 308 to the ends ofthe pivot pin 45 prevent the pin 45 from escaping after the sheath 308is in stalled.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the sheath 308 has a front opening 320 adapted toreceive the channel 301. The front opening 320, at a lower extent, isbounded by a pair of guide flanges 320 adapted to slide within the guideslots 302. Also seen is the longitudinal neck 71 with “V” shaped reliefareas 72, 73. The neck area 71 captures the “T” shaped safety rail 38and prevents it from escaping or loosing engagement with the roller 44.The relief areas 72, 73 allow for angular misalignment of the pusher.The shroud 308 further comprises an internal lower portion and a lockingramp 322. The locking 322 is adapted to slide within the guide slot 303,ride over the catch 304 and engage with the catch so as to preventinadvertent withdrawal of the shroud 308. The side walls of the neckarea 71 enter the through slots 305, 306 (see FIG. 9A) and furtherstabilise the upper portion of the shroud 308.

As shown in the top perspective view of FIG. 9C, the lower extremity ofthe channel 301 comprises a sub-floor 330 in which is formed a drainopening 331. The interior side walls of the channel 301 support fourguide rails 332. The guide rails 332 restrain the motion of the thirdlink to essentially vertical reciprocating motion so that the lower tab51 of the third link can pass through an opening 333 located adjacent tothe sub-floor 330. Additional drain holes 334 are provided at the lowerextremity of the channel 301, as required. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B alsoillustrate an integral partition or web 335 that isolates the interiorof the channel 301 from the interior of the “D” shaped main body of thefeed tube 18. A relief opening 336 located above the partition 335allows the roller 44 to make contact with the safety rail.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the third linkage 48 further comprises a medial rib350 that terminates in an integral guide pin 351. The guide pin 351cooperates with an alignment opening 532 in the reciprocating follower62. The compression spring 60 surrounds the guide pin 351 and isinterposed between the follower 62 and an upper retaining flange 353located at the upper extent of the guide pin 351. The follower 62 haslongitudinal side rails 354 that stabilise the motion of the follower 62with respect to the guide rails 332. FIG. 9D also illustrates that theinternal surfaces of the partition 335 are blended into the interior ofthe guide tube 18 and that the lower extent of the partition 336 slopesdownward and blends with the interior of the feed tube to promote thedischarge of waste and cleaning when required.

An under surface 337 of the follower 62 comprises an opening that slidesover a guide tube 380 as shown in FIG. 9E.

As illustrated in FIG. 9E a guide tube 380 is integrally moulded at alower extent of the channel's interior. The guide tube 380 receives thetip of the guide pin 351 and is captured by a longitudinal slot 381 on asurface of the follower 62.

The relationship between the longitudinal slot in the feed tube 18 andthe linkage housing 37 is further illustrated in FIG. 10 through FIG.14. As shown in FIG. 10 and ii, the longitudinal slot 48a is preferablyformed along the middle of the arc-shaped sidewalls 67 of the feed tube18. The linkage cover 37 protects and locates the internal links in theproper orientation. An upper extent of the slot 68 provides a “T” shapedpilot opening 69 that is preferably moulded from a hard wearing polymersuch as an acetal. The remainder of the feed tube and the linkagehousing need not be formed from a hard wearing polymer. The “T” shapedpilot is adapted to receive the “T” shaped safety rail 38. When thesafety rail is inserted into the pilot 69 the tapered or angled lowerportion 43 of the rail 42 first contacts the roller 44.

As shown in FIG. 11, the pilot opening 69 in the acetal moulding 70further comprises a longitudinal neck 71 having “V” shaped relief areas72, 73 above it and below it. In this way, the safety rail 38 is capableof operating smoothly and with minimal stress even when somewhatmisaligned, for example, during the early part of its insertion into theslot. The slot 48a further comprises a relief area 74 that extendssubstantially the entire length and defines the back wall of the slot.Thus, the feed tube engages the pusher only in the area associated withthe pilot opening 69 and neck 71. The relief area 74, because it isentirely or at least substantially exposed to the interior of the feedtube and being the width of the slot below the neck is incapable oftrapping dirt or food particles that may enter through the pilot opening69.

As shown in FIG. 14, the tapered pilot opening 69 receives the pusher'ssafety rail 38. It can be seen that the safety rail 38 is “T” shaped incross section. A proximal terminal end of the rail 75 is moulded into orintegral with the pusher 19 whereas the remainder forms the external “T”shaped part that enters and exits the slot 48a through the pilot 69.Longitudinal, rounded and blended ribs 19a are spaced apart to helplocate the flat back of the pusher 19 in the feed tube and reducefriction and binding. FIG. 14 also illustrates that the vertical motionof the pusher 19 is largely determined by the relationship between thesafety rail 38 and the pilot 69. As previously mentioned, the pilot ispreferably moulded from a hard wearing polymer that forms a longitudinalneck 71 having “V” shaped relief areas 72, 73 above and below. Thisforms a motion trap for the safety rail. In the example of FIG. 14,movement of the feed tube away from the rotational centre of the motoris limited by the friction roller 44 or equivalent wear surface of thesafety linkage. Movement toward the centre line of the motor is resistedby contact between the underside of the transverse head of the “T”section and the adjacent interior flat surfaces of the pilot. Bylimiting the motion of the feed tube in this way, excess binding of thepusher in the feed tube is minimised. Further examples of this method oflimiting the motion of the pusher are suggested in FIG. 43 through FIG.47. As shown in FIG. 43, the pusher 700 may have a safety rail 701having a flat central web 702 that is attached at spaced apart locations703, 704, 705 to the feed tube. These points of attachment may beintegral with the feed tube or by way of moulding or other affixation tothe feed tube 700. In this example and as illustrated in FIG. 4, thesafety rail is “T” shaped. Having continuous or spaced apart attachmentof the guide rail to the pusher increases the strength, rigidity andstability of the safety or guide rail relative to those types that areonly attached to the pusher at pusher at one end.

It will also be understood that utilising the aforementioned principleof motion capture of motion or limiting, the safety rail can havedifferent geometries. Examples of such geometries are provided in FIG.45 through FIG. 47. It will be understood that when a particular shapedsafety rail is provided, that the shape of the pilot must compliment it.It will also be understood that those surfaces furthest from the centreline of the pusher will be those surfaces that are contacted by thesafety linkage assembly. This contact may be against a friction roller,as suggested by FIG. 5 through FIG. 9 or against sliding contactsurface, as suggested, for example in FIG. 38 through FIG. 40.Similarly, motion in the opposite direction, that is toward the centreline of the pusher or the motor is accommodated by a complimentary orunderside surface of the safety rail in contact with a cooperatingsurface on or associated with the pilot. Previous examples haveillustrated a contact surface on the pilot formed from a hard wearingmaterial (for example compound or polymer). It will be appreciated thatanti friction rollers may also be used in this area. As shown in FIG.45, a safety rail 706 of a pusher 707 may comprise an arrow shape. Inthis example, the safety rail 706 has a head 708 having a flat underside709 and an extremity 710 in the form of a point. The head 708 thus formsa triangle of equal sides that presents a “V” shaped contact surface tothe safety linkage mechanism. Thus, contacting any friction roller onthe safety linkage mechanism may have a “V” shaped cooperating groove toreceive and centre the head of the safety rail 706. As shown in thisexample, the safety rail 706 may be moulded into and formed from adifferent material than the pusher 707.

As shown in FIG. 46, the safety rail 711 may be in the form of aninverted, truncated, equilateral triangle. In this example, the outermost surface or contact surface of the safety rail 711 is flat whereasthe underside surfaces 713 are tapered and extend from the edges 714 ofthe contact surface 712 toward a narrowing 715 where the safety railmakes contact with the outer surface of the pusher 716. As previouslysuggested, those surfaces in contact with the safety rail 711 may do sovia anti-friction rollers or by simple sliding contact.

As suggested by FIG. 47, the safety rail 720 may be “L” shaped in crosssection. This shaped safety rail present a transverse contact surface721 to the safety linkage mechanism. As with the “T” shaped safety rail,the underside surface 722 is parallel with the opposing contact surface721.

As will be appreciated by the aforementioned examples, limiting themotion of the pusher is accomplished by trapping the safety rail betweenthe pilot and the resiliency or return force exerted by the safetylinkage mechanism. This can restrict movement of the pusher toward theopposite inner surface of the feed tube. Because contact with the safetyrail occurs in the pilot area, friction along the entirety of the lengthof the safety rail is avoided. Further, concentration of the contactarea in the area of the pilot allows for the provision of a reliefopening 336 that is exposed to the interior of the feed tube rather thanconcealed from it by a side wall or partition as is common in the priorart. This exposure to the interior of the feed tube allows for easiercleaning and thus greater hygiene.

As shown in FIG. 13, the lower tab 51 of the third linkage 48 protrudesfrom an opening in the lower surface 75 of the lid's flange 76. FIG. 19also illustrates the groove 230 in the upper part of the handle thatadmits the actuating tab 56 of the intermediate link.

As shown in FIG. 15 through FIG. 17 a fluid barrier or seal 79 extendsbetween the lid 17 and the top of the bowl 15. This seal helps containliquids. As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 17, the lid is characterised bycircumferential flange 76 below which extends a generally cylindricalrim 77. The rim 77 further comprises radially extending male bayonetfeatures 78 that are spaced apart from one another around thelongitudinally extending rim 77. The lower part of the rim comprises acircumferential rectangular groove into which is located a polymericseal 79. As suggested by FIG. 15 and FIG. 17, the seal 79 isapproximately “C” shaped in cross section. Thus, the seal has a centralflat portion 80 and radially extending limbs 81, 82. As suggested byFIG. 17, only the lower bead or limb 8i of the seal 79 actually contactsthe interior of the bowl 15. Contact between the seal and the bowloccurs only on the angled contact section 89. This reduces friction whenthe lid is installed. This is because the inside of the upper rim 89a ofthe bowl is larger in diameter than the seal 79.

The seal is “C” shaped even though only one bead contacts the interiorof the bowl. This is so that the seal functions to provide a relativelysoft and flexible point of contact whether it is installed right side upor upside down by a user. Holes 37a in the underside of the linkagehousing provide drainage.

As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 the upper portion of the bowl isconfigured to receive the lid. As illustrated, the upper rim 83 of thebowl 15 is larger in diameter than the central portion of the body 84.The generally upper cylindrical portion of the bowl between the rim 83and the central body portion 84 incorporates female bayonet features 85that adapted to receive and retain the male features 78 found on the rimof the lid. As suggested by FIG. 16, the female bayonet featuresincorporate a relatively wide mouth 86 and a downward extending ramp 87into which the male bayonet features travel when the lid is rotated. Thedownward inclination of the ramps of the female bayonet features causesthe lid to be driven downward toward the bottom 88 of the bowl 15. Thisrotation of the lid urges the lower bead 81 of the seal 79 into contactwith a angled contact section 89 that extends between the bowl'scylindrical upper rim area and its body.

As shown in FIG. 18, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the bowl 15 is adapted toreceive a smaller, inner bowl 90. With reference to FIG. 19, it can beseen that the main or outer bowl 15 further comprises a centrallylocated neck 91 through which extends a primary coupling 92. The lowercoupling 104 engages with the female coupling component 22 (see FIG. 2)and presents (above the neck 91) a male coupling component 93. The malecoupling component 93 sealed with respect to the neck 91 and will rotatein unison with the female coupling component when the bowl 15 isinstalled on the base. The neck 91 includes one or more (three in thisexample) radial projections 94 that engage with an internal spline 95formed in the alignment neck 96 of the inner bowl 90. As shown in FIG.18, the lower edge 97 of the inner bowl further comprises an array ofpolymeric feet 98 that prevent the lower edge of the inner bowl fromcontacting and therefore scuffing the inner floor 99 of the bowl 15. An“O” ring 92a in a groove on the coupling retains the blade when theapparatus is tipped for pouring.

As shown in FIG. 20, the generally cylindrical body 100 of the innerbowl 90 extends upwardly to a truncated conical section or conical flare101 having an upper rim 102. As shown in FIG. 20, the diameter of therim 102 is sufficient to contain within the open mouth defined by therim, the output opening 103 of the feed tube 18. The flare allows foodto fall into the generally cylindrical body 100 and toward the blades.It will be appreciated that food elements are typically expelled by theblades onto the side walls of the generally cylindrical body. Theupright, or substantially vertical, side walls encourage the foodelement to call back toward the blades.

In preferred embodiments, the rim 102 extends to the underside of thelid 17. The close tolerance is accommodated by the feet 98. FIG. 20 alsoillustrates the second male coupling component 104 that is attached by ashaft 105 to the male coupling component 92 located within the bowl 15.Thus, the inner bowl allows a smaller diameter blade 106 to be used inconjunction with a smaller volume bowl 90 and still take advantage ofthe full cross sectional area of the feed tube 18. The vertical sides ofthe bowl allow food to drop more freely onto the blades. This view alsoshows that the bowl's pouring spout 15a is above the level of the seal79.

As shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 21A and FIG. 20B, the tip 124 of a spindle orcutting blade may be retained and stabilised by a lid mounted bushingassembly 400. As shown in FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, the assembly 400comprises a softer elastomeric vibration damping insert 401, an acetalpolymer bushing 402, an acetal cap 403 and a circular weld wire 404. Thepolymeric insert 401 has a central opening 405 that is flanked by, forexample, a pair of location slots 407, 408. The insert 401 also has acircumferential groove 409 within which groove is located a pair ofprojections 410. The circumferential groove 409 receives a rim 411 of anopening formed on the upper surface of a small dome 412 formed in thelid on the rotational centre line of the spindle or blade. The rim 411features a pair of opposing recesses 412. The protrusions 410 fit intothe recesses 412. The acetal journal 402 has a central hub 413 havingopposing ears 414. The hub fits into the opening 405 of the insert andthe ears 411 fit into the opposing slots 408. Thus, the ears 414protrude into the openings 412 and prevent both the journal 402 and theinsert 401 from rotating. Using a circular weld wire 404, the acetal cap403 is welded to the journal 402. As shown better in FIG. 20B, thejournal 401 has an upward facing groove 420 adapted to receive thecircular weld wire 404 and a descending cylindrical ridge 421 formed onan underside of the cap 403. It can also be seen in 20B that the insertand cap are not fully symmetrical, being reduced in effective radius onone side to allow the proximal flat side of the feed tube 18 to belocated as close as possible to the centre of the rotation. Thisfeatures allows the full effective length of a cutting blade to beutilised.

A spindle for the food processor of the present invention is shown inFIG. 21 through FIG. 23. As shown in FIG. 21, the spindle comprises anelongated polymeric body into which is moulded or inserted, a sinteredor machined stainless steel tip 111. The body comprises a lower portion112 having a larger diameter than an upper portion 113. The lower partof the larger diameter portion 112 is characterised by an array ofequally spaced, low relief projections 114. The projections 114 areadapted to engage cooperating features located within the bore of eachof the cooperating sleeves that are associated with some of the foodprocessor blades and tools. Each projection 114 presents flat, angledfaces 115 that are adapted to engage cooperating faces within theappropriate tools, regardless of the direction of rotation. The spindlehas a lower opening 116 that is adapted to receive the bowl's malecoupling component 92. However, the inside diameter of the lower portion117 is large enough to avoid the anti-rotation projections 94 found onthe exterior of the sleeve 91. The enlarged diameter portion 117 leadsto internal splines that are adapted to engage with a pilot onto themale coupling component 92. A thin walled pilot section 119 leads fromthe enlarged diameter portion 117 into the internal splines 118. Thesmall circumferential cavity between the pilot section 119 and the outerwall 120 of the spindle is filled with a gland 121 that prevents debrisor food from becoming lodged within the interior of the spindle.

The sintered and machined stainless steel tip 111 further comprises abase 122, a spline section 123 and a tip 124 with a rounded extremity125. The base 122 has, in this example, three longitudinal ribs 126 thatare adapted to transmit high levels of torque to the upper section 113of the spindle. The spline section 123 has a close tolerance, machined,cylindrical exterior 127 that is interrupted by a number of longitudinalchannels 128. The machined exterior surfaces of each of the splines 127assist in aligning, centring and snugly retaining the couplings of theaccessory discs that are used in conjunction with the spindle. Therounded tip 125 cooperates with the journal 107 (see FIG. 20).

A representative cutting disc and its mounting hub are illustrated inFIG. 24 through FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 24 a julienne blade oraccessory comprises a stainless steel disc 131 having a circumferentialridgidising rim 132. A central part of the blade comprises an integraldrive flange 134. The drive flange 134, as shown in FIG. 25, comprisesthree drive openings 135 and three fastener openings 136. As suggestedby FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the drive openings 135 further include downwardfacing tabs 137, 138. The tabs 137, 138 are press formed then bentdownward so as to create vertical faces. These vertical faces 139 areadapted to contact an array of raised bosses 140 that are located on anupper surface of a coupling half 141. As shown in FIG. 26, one half ofthe tool's coupling is located below the stainless steel disc 131.Fasteners 142 extend through the fastener openings and into receivingopenings 143 located in the lower coupling half 141. With the bosses 140located in the drive openings 135 and the fasteners 142 inserted throughthe fastener openings and into the lower coupling half, the uppercoupling half 144 can be accurately positioned over the drive flange andultrasonically welded onto the lower coupling half 141, assisted in thepositioning of there by arcuate ridges or weld beads 145 formed on theupper surfaces of the bosses 140. The top coupling half conceals thefasteners 142. When joined together, the upper and lower coupling halves141, 144 cooperate to form a splined internal bore 146. Each of theraised longitudinal splines 147 is tapered at each end 148 to pilot andfacilitate insertion onto the sintered stainless steel splines of thespindle. The cooperation between the tightly controlled dimensions ofthe internal spline and the machine turned tip diameter of the spindle'ssplines creates a snug sliding fit that contributes to the stability andfreedom from vibration and unwanted movement that characterises thesecomponents. Each coupling half has an undercut groove 144a to assist inremoval.

A dough making blade is shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28. The dough makingblade comprises a pair of polymeric, arcuate blade portions 150 that areintegrally moulded onto a spindle body 151. The two blades are located180 degrees from one another. The upper blade has a curved lower surface152 and a flat upper surface 153. The lower blade has a curved uppersurface 154 and a flat lower surface 155. A circumferential cavity 156extends around the main bore 157. The opening of the circumferentialcavity 156 is sealed by a polymeric gland 158.

An adjustable thickness cutting blade is depicted in FIG. 29 throughFIG. 31. The adjustable thickness blade 160 comprises a central hub 161.The hub 161 has three external coextensive threads 162 for receivingthree separate internal thread segments 163 located within an adjustmentsleeve 164 (see FIG. 30). The hub 161 further comprises an integralcantilever or blade support 165 having openings 166 adapted to receiverivets that are used to retain the cutting blade 167 onto the cantilever165. The front edge 182 of the cantilever is thinner than the trailingedge 183 of the cantilever. The metal blade 167 has an arcuate cuttingedge 168 and an alignment backstop 169 formed at a right angle to theupper surface of the blade 167 to rigidise it. The internal bore of thehub 161 has splines that cooperate with the splines of the spindle. Anupper reduced diameter extension 179 of the hub comprises an array oflongitudinal splines or ribs 171. An opening 172 in the blade 167cooperates with and engages the ribs 171 so that torque forces imposedon the blade are transmitted to the hub. The blade is sandwiched betweenthe hub and an upper coupling half 173 that is ultrasonically welded tothe hub 161. The ridgidising backstop 169 further comprises a tab orstop 174 that extends radially outward beyond the terminal edge 175 ofthe blade. The stop 174 is adapted to abut the underside of the rim 176of the blade's stainless steel disc 177 so as to limit the downwardmovement of the discs 177 relative to the blade 176. It should be notedthat the disc 177 and the mounting flange 178 could be moulded togetheras one polymeric component.

The disc 177 is affixed to a polymeric mounting flange 178 with rivets179. The flange 178 further comprises a recess 180 that cooperates witha similarly shaped opening 181 in the disc 177, that opening 181receiving the blade 167 and its cantilever 165. The flange 178 furthercomprises a collar 184. A lower extent of the collar is moulded to forman array of evenly spaced longitudinal ridges 185 that form scallopsbetweens each ridge. The array of ridges 185 cooperate with a thin steelinsert 186 that is retained within the adjustment collar 164 (see FIG.31). The flange's collar 184 also comprises a circumferential bead 187.The bead 187 cooperates with flexible locking or anti-removal tabs 188formed into the wall of the adjustment collar 164.

As suggested by FIG. 29 through FIG. 31, the cutting blade 167 iscarried by the hub 161 and the disc 177 is carried by the flange 178.Thus, the axial adjustment between the blade and the disc 177 can becontrolled by rotation of the adjustment sleeve 164 relative to thehub's threads 162. When installed at the factory, the adjustment sleeve188 is fully screwed onto the threads 162 so that the integral ramps 189associated with the cantilevered flexible tabs 188 ride over the bead187 located around the flange's collar 184. The ramped teeth 189 thusflex and resist slightly when going over the bead 187 but prevent thewithdrawal of the adjustment sleeve 164 from the hub 161. The steelinsert 186 locates between adjacent thread sections 190, 191 internal tothe sleeve 164. As shown in FIG. 31, the insert 186 presents an inwardlydirected hump 187 that is adapted to engage the ridges 185 formed on theexterior of the flange. The hump 187 enhances the engagement and thetactile feel of the operation of the adjustment sleeve 164. One of thetabs 188 further comprises a second hump 189 and a rotation limit stop190 adapted to ride over a ramp 191 formed in the area of the ridges 185and rotated in one direction but abut a flat surface 192 of the rampwhen rotated in the opposite direction.

A whisking disc accessory 200 is depicted in FIG. 32 through FIG. 34. Assuggested by 32 and 34, the disc accessory is removably carried by aspindle 201. The working portion of the disc 202 comprises a generallycircular disc having concentric undulations 203. The underside 204 ofthe disc is characterised by a pair of opposing fins 205. The edge ofthe disc 202 further comprises a pair of downwardly extending rampedportions 206 that are partially separated 207 from the body of the disc202. As seen in FIG. 34, the ramps 206 extends slightly below the flatunderside 204 of the disc. As shown in FIG. 3 the internal bore 208 ofthe integral hub 209 of the disc comprises internal raised features 210with surfaces 211 that cooperate with the drive features found on thelower extremity of the spindle 114 (see FIG. 23). Because the rampedsurface presents cooperating, angled drive faces in both directions onboth the hub and spindle, the hub is retained and urged downward in bothdirections of rotation.

As shown in FIG. 35, a four bladed cutting accessory 220 may be providedwith a moulded polymeric cover 221. The cover 221 is used to protect theblades of the accessory 220 but also to facilitate loading and unloadingof the accessory 220 into, for example, a dishwasher. The cover 221comprises a central hub 222 having a central opening 223. A segmentedcollar 224 extends away from the hub and is adapted to engage theinternal bore 225 of the accessory 220. Arcuate walls 225, 226 extendaway from the base 227 of the cover. The base is shaped to conform tothe shape of the blades 228. The base may incorporate openings 229 tofacilitate the movement of water into and out of the cover. One end 230of each arcuate wall joins the wall at a corner 231 and serves to covera radially inward 232 portion of each pair of vertically stacked blades.The other end 233 of each wall is curved so as to contain and protectthe tips 234 of the blades.

As shown in FIG. 36 a double ended drive coupling assembly 280 extendsthrough the floor of the bowl 15. The coupling comprises a lower malecoupling component 281 that engages the base's female coupling component23. The lower component 281 is attached to a steel shaft 282. An uppermale coupling component 283 is affixed to an upper end of the shaft 282.Between the two male halves 281, 283 a sintered bush 284 is carried bythe shaft 282. The sintered bush 284 is insert moulded into a nylon (orother polymer) bushing sleeve 285. The assembled coupling halves 281,283 shaft 282, bush 284 and bushing sleeve 285 are then inserted into asoft polymeric or rubber boot 286. The rubber boot has a cylindrical orslightly tapered body 287, an upper and outwardly directed flange 288and a floor or terminal end 289 with an opening in it for receiving thesintered bush. The rubber boot reduces vibration and assists in reducingtemperature transfer to the bowl when the bush heats up from use. Theboot 287 is carried within the central neck 91 of the bowl (see FIG.19). Apart from the novel polymeric boot 286, other aspects of thiscoupling are conventional. The rubber boot is particularly effective incombination with the vibration dampening cap on the lid that locates andrestrains the metallic top of the spindles disclosed above.

As shown in FIG. 37, a lid 470 is provided with an integral feed tube471, bushing-like spindle stabiliser 472 and a safety mechanism 473. Thesafety mechanism 473 is, in accordance with previously disclosedembodiments, protected by an exterior housing 474, but has a tip or nose475 that extends through an opening into a longitudinal channel 476 thatis adapted to receive the safety rail of a pusher. As with previousembodiments, the upper portion of the channel 476 is defined by a pilotopening comprising a neck 477 and an upward forming and optional lower“V” shaped relief area for cooperating with the safety rail and guidingit during insertion.

As shown in FIG. 38, the internal volume of the feed tube 480 isseparated from the internal volume of the safety mechanism housing area481 by a polymer web that is part of the feed tube moulding 481. Theupper extent 482 of this web defines, in part, an opening through whichextends the nose of the upper link 483. The upper link 483 pivots arounda preferably metallic pivot pin 484. The portion of the upper link 483that extends into the channel 480 is generally “U” shaped in crosssection 485, and in this embodiment has side walls 486 that define acup. Pivoting within the interior of the cup defined by the side walls486 and the “U” shaped part 485 is the upper extent 487 of a pivotingand intermediate link 488. The intermediate link 488 pivots about apreferably metallic pivot pin 489 that extends from one side wall to theother side wall 486 of the upper link 483. The lower extent 490 of theintermediate link 488 is pivoted to the upper portion of the lower link491. The lower link 491 of the safety mechanism works the same way asthe lower link 48, as described (for example) with respect to FIG. 6,FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The middle portion of the intermediate link 492 isbent, forming an elbow that is adapted to receive the tip 493 of theupper link 483 when it pivots during the downward motion of the safetyrail. In this way, the opening through which the upper link 483protrudes is largely obstructed by the nose of the upper link 375 whenthe pusher is removed from the feed tube. This prevents excessiveamounts of debris from entering into the internal volume of the safetymechanism 481.

FIG. 39 illustrates how the bend of elbow 492 in the intermediate link483 receives the tip 482 of the upper linkage 483. Although theintermediate link 488 is pivoted at both ends 489, 493, the motion ofthe lower link 491 is always vertical because it is restrained in theway previously described (see FIG. 6 through FIG. 8). The lower link isbiased upward by a spring.

As shown in FIG. 40, the lower edge 495 of the opening through which theupper link 483 extends is chamfered so as to cooperate with the outersurface of the nose 375. This minimises the clearance between the outersurface of the upper link and the lower edge 495 of the opening. FIG. 40also illustrates the trough or cup shape of the upper link 483 and theopenings 501 in the side walls 486 for receiving the pivot pit 489 thatconnects the upper link 483 with the intermediate link 488. Theintermediate link 488 is further seen as having the middle portion orbend area 492 being wider than the upper or lower extremities of thatlink 487, 490. This provides additional strength or rigidity in theelbow or bent portion.

As shown in FIG. 41, a bushing assembly boo is constructed similar tothe bushing assembly 495 disclosed with reference to e.g. FIG. 20A andFIG. 20B. However, the previously disclosed construction is in thisembodiment, modified with the addition of a stainless steel wear cap601. As shown better in FIG. 42, the wear cap 601 comprises acircumferential trough 602 that conforms closely with and receives thelower portion 603 of the acetal journal 604. Thus, the wear cap 601comprises a chamfered pilot opening area 605 that surrounds a centralopening 606 that is adapted to receive the tip of the spindle. Becauseof the presence of the hard wearing stainless steel wear cap 601, theclearance 607 between the upper most part of a blade's hub 608 and thelower most part of the bushing assembly (in this case the stainlesssteel cap) can be reduced to 1 mm or less. Previously, clearance thissmall between the spinning hub of a blade and the bushing assembly wouldhave resulted in undesirable contact between the blade hub and thebushing assembly when the blade was in motion. This contact could havebeen caused by inherent instability in the blade's rotation or, forexample, because of downward eccentric pressure generated by food beingpushed through the feed tube. Because the rotational speed of the bladeis relatively high, even occasionally contact had the potential to causeoverheating and wear between the upper surface 608 of the blade hub andthe lower surface of the bushing assembly. The presence of the hardwearing steel cap allows extensive high speed contact between the twoparts without degeneration of either. Thus, the clearance can be reduced(relative to prior art devices) to 1 mm or less. The reduced clearancehas a desirable and additional stabilisation of the blade's movement,particularly when eccentric loads are imposed by downward pressure fromfood in the feed tube.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference toparticular details of construction, these should be understood as havingbeen provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope orspirit of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughoutthis specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, inone or more embodiments.

In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the termscomprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that meansincluding at least the elements/features that follow, but not excludingothers. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should notbe interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or stepslisted thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a devicecomprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only ofelements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes orthat includes as used herein is also an open term that also meansincluding at least the elements/features that follow the term, but notexcluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and meanscomprising.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in theclaims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to directconnections only. The terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with theirderivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms arenot intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of theexpression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited todevices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connectedto an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between anoutput of A and an input of B which may be a path including otherdevices or means. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements areeither in direct physical, or that two or more elements are not indirect contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact witheach other.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinaladjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a commonobject, merely indicate that different instances of like objects arebeing referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects sodescribed must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, inranking, or in any other manner.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of terms“horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well asadjectival and adverbial derivatives 30 thereof (e.g., “horizontally”,“rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of theillustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader,or with reference to the orientation of the structure during nominaluse, as appropriate. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly”generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis ofelongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description ofexemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of theinvention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure,or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosureand aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventiveaspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claimsfollowing the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporatedinto this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some butnot other features included in other embodiments, combinations offeatures of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope ofthe invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood bythose in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of theclaimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are setforth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown indetail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other and further modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intendedto claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope ofthe invention. For example, any formulas given above are merelyrepresentative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may beadded or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may beinterchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted tomethods described within the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consistessentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodimentof the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A food processor apparatus, the apparatusincluding: a base having a motor; a processing bowl releasably couplableto the base; a lid for the processing bowl, the lid having a feed tube;a linkage cover coupled to the feed tube that defines a housing for alinkage assembly; a pusher device for the food processor, the pusherhaving a body and a safety rail that extends from the body; the safetyrail having a contact surface for engaging the linkage assembly when thesafety rail is at least partially inserted into a longitudinal channellocated about the feed tube; and wherein the longitudinal channelsubstantially extends axially along the feed tube, two opposed tabs arelocated at the top of the channel: the tabs are each inwardly directedfor partially closing the channel to the feed tube and defining a pilotopening that receives the safety rail; and wherein a majority of thelongitudinal channel, as located below the opposed tabs, has a fullwidth of the channel directly exposed to an interior of the feed tube.2. The food processor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the safetyrail has a “T” shaped cross-section.
 3. The food processor apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the “T” shaped section comprises a cappingthat defines the contact surface, and the capping is supported above thebody by a web that is rigidly attached to the body.
 4. The foodprocessor apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the safety rail isinsert moulded with the body and is formed from a harder wearingmaterial than the body.
 5. The food processor apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the safety rail has a “L” shaped cross-section; the “L”shaped section comprising a flange that defines the contact surface, theflange being supported above the body by a web that is attached to thebody.
 6. The food processor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:when the pusher body is inserted into feed tube, the safety rail entersthe longitudinal channel located about the feed tube; the channel havingan opening through which protrudes a nose of an upper link that moves inresponse to contact with the safety rail.
 7. The food processorapparatus according to claim 6, wherein: the linkage assembly extendsfrom the upper link to a projection forming a terminal part thatcontacts a first intermediate link contained in the handle of the bowl;such that the motor can operate when the safety rail engages the safetylinkage mechanism.
 8. A food processor apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the motor can only operate when the safety rail is at leastpartially inserted into the channel.
 9. The food processor apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein: when the pusher body is inserted intofeed tube, the safety rail engages a frication roller located in thelongitudinal channel; and the friction roller is carried by pivot pinthat interconnects a first link and a second link of the linkageassembly.
 10. The food processor apparatus according to claim 9, whereinthe second link is pivotally attached to an elongate third link of thelinkage assembly, such that the pivot pin floats with the first andsecond link.
 11. The food processor apparatus according to claim 10,wherein a lower end of the third link comprises a chamfered finger tabthat extends to a lower extremity of the lid for acting on a cooperatingsecond tab that forms an upper end of an intermediate link element. 12.The food processor apparatus according to claim 11, wherein theintermediate link element is urged upward by a compression spring sothat it can be lowered when acted on by the third link.
 13. The foodprocessor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pilot openingdefines a neck for receiving the safety rail into the longitudinalchannel.
 14. The food processor apparatus according to claim 13, whereinthe linkage cover has a relief area that defines back wall of thelongitudinal channel.
 15. The food processor apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein the neck has “V” shaped relief areas for guiding thesafety rail during insertion.
 16. A food processor apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the motor can only operate when the safety rail isat least partially inserted into the channel.
 17. A food processorapparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further including: a userinterface having a display screen; wherein, if the pusher is not presentin the feed tube, the display screen depicts a visual message to a userto insert the pusher.